A recent delegation from Syria’s International Cooperation Department, part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, wrapped up an official tour through Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. The mission aimed to bolster cooperation in institutional, developmental, and humanitarian realms while identifying national recovery priorities for Syria.
Strengthening Ties in Kuwait
The Syrian delegation, led by Qutaiba Kadish, the Department Director, and Sarah al-Saeed, Head of the Arab Relations Section, engaged in extensive discussions with Kuwaiti officials. A key topic was the establishment of frameworks to revitalize cooperation among government institutions, revisiting past agreements, and exploring new collaborative opportunities. The discussions also encompassed partnerships with humanitarian and developmental organizations to enhance their impact in Syria.
Meetings with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development were significant, focusing on the resumption of institutional collaborations. The delegation reviewed financed projects, outstanding financial commitments, and suggested the creation of a joint team to track and assess potential development initiatives. Additionally, talks with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development highlighted the assistance offered following the 2023 Syria-Türkiye earthquake and the necessary reconstruction efforts.
Advancing Humanitarian Goals
Humanitarian cooperation was a priority in Kuwait, where the delegation met with the International Islamic Charitable Organization, proposing the revitalization of their collaboration and the establishment of an executive office in Syria. Engagements with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society revolved around identifying key humanitarian projects and developing mechanisms for regular communication. Furthermore, discussions with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs centered on exchanging expertise in charitable work, with plans for a future visit to Syria to finalize cooperation details.
Enhancing Cooperation in the UAE
In the UAE, the Syrian delegation held pivotal talks with representatives from the UAE Foreign Ministry to discuss future bilateral cooperation. These conversations aimed to streamline communication channels and coordinate initiatives between both countries’ government entities. The meeting included reviewing ongoing or upcoming cooperative efforts in various sectors, including education, public works, housing, and the financial industry.
The Emirates Red Crescent was another key engagement, where topics covered national recovery priorities in health, infrastructure, and education. The delegation aimed to establish a framework for identifying priority projects and ensuring effective implementation. Additionally, discussions with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development included strategies for resuming prior cooperation by addressing previous commitments and examining development projects in Syria.
Collaborating with Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Development Bank
The delegation’s visit to Saudi Arabia featured conversations with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, focusing on fostering collaboration to support Syria’s recovery and developmental efforts. The discussions linked priority financing projects with strategies to stimulate the private sector and promote trade. Noteworthy meetings included international leaders from the IsDB, emphasizing the importance of capacity building and technical planning to ensure successful project outcomes.
In essence, this diplomatic tour signals Syria’s commitment to international partnerships aimed at systemic recovery, ensuring that humanitarian and developmental efforts are effectively coordinated with regional allies. The outcomes of these discussions are poised to lay a foundation for a more stable and prosperous future for Syria.